Auto Bild Allrad: SUV Winter Tire Test R18 2024

Auto Bild Allrad: SUV Winter Tire Test R18

Auto Bild Allrad, a respected automotive magazine, has recently conducted an extensive evaluation of winter tires, specifically for SUVs, in the size 225/60 R18. This test aimed to emphasize the crucial role of proper winter tires for safe driving in cold weather, challenging the common belief among many SUV owners that all-wheel drive is sufficient for winter conditions. The magazine highlighted that while all-wheel drive aids in starting and accelerating, the actual control during braking and cornering in winter heavily relies on the quality of the tires.

The test involved a diverse range of tire brands, covering both premium and mid-segment markets. This selection included renowned names like Bridgestone, Continental, Falken, Firestone, Goodyear, Hankook, Michelin, Pirelli, and Vredestein, along with the inclusion of Superia, a budget-friendly option.

  1. Continental WinterContact TS 870 P - Winner Recommended
    Continental WinterContact TS 870 P
    88 48
    · Winter · 2021 · Passenger - Performance Winter / Snow
    Verdict:

    The Continental WinterContact TS 870 P, securing the first place, is exemplary in its balanced performance across various conditions, excelling in snow performance and dry handling while also being economically efficient in terms of fuel savings. The primary drawback of this tire is its high price, which, despite its superior qualities, may be a consideration for some buyers.

    Dry Handling   Performance Balance   Snow Performance   Economy   Price  
    Europe Europe · Russia+ Russia+
    Test Score:
    1.6
  2. Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 Recommended
    Michelin Pilot Alpin 5
    93 44
    · Winter · 2014 · Passenger - Performance Winter / Snow
    Verdict:

    The Michelin Pilot Alpin 5, ranked second, is distinguished by its well-rounded performance. It excels in handling across diverse surfaces including snow, dry, and wet conditions and is notably superior in acoustic comfort. However, it is somewhat less favorable in terms of economic efficiency due to its increased rolling resistance, which can adversely affect fuel consumption.

    Performance Balance   Wet Handling   Dry Handling   Snow Performance   Noise   Economy  
    USA+ USA+ · Canada Canada · Europe Europe · Russia+ Russia+ · Japan Japan
    Test Score:
    1.6
  3. Goodyear UltraGrip Performance+ SUV Recommended
    Goodyear UltraGrip Performance+ SUV
    N/A 35
    · Winter · 2021 · Light Truck / SUV - Light Truck/SUV Performance Winter / Snow
    Verdict:

    The Goodyear UltraGrip Performance+ SUV, securing the third position, is a versatile tire excelling in various conditions. It stands out for its performance balance, particularly on wet pavement, and demonstrates impressive snow braking, dry pavement braking, and resistance to both straight and lateral hydroplaning. However, its premium quality comes with a higher price tag, making it a more expensive option in the market.

    Performance Balance   Dry Braking   Snow Braking   Wet Handling   Straight Hydroplaning   Lateral Hydroplaning   Price  
    Europe Europe · Russia+ Russia+ · China China
    Test Score:
    1.8
  4. Pirelli Scorpion Winter 2 Recommended
    Pirelli Scorpion Winter 2
    87 44
    · Winter · 2022 · Light Truck / SUV - Light Truck/SUV Performance Winter / Snow
    Verdict:

    The Pirelli Scorpion Winter 2, ranking fourth, showcases a balanced performance with outstanding snow braking and impressive braking on wet pavement. It also offers a commendable level of comfort. Notably, on wet asphalt, it achieves braking distances that even surpass those of summer tires. The primary limitation of this tire is its reduced resistance to lateral hydroplaning, which is a critical factor to consider for wet weather driving.

    Performance Balance   Comfort   Snow Braking   Wet Braking   Lateral Hydroplaning  
    Europe Europe · Russia+ Russia+ · China China
    Test Score:
    1.8
  5. Vredestein Wintrac Pro
    Vredestein Wintrac Pro
    82 46
    · Winter · 2018 · Passenger - Performance Winter / Snow
    Verdict:

    The Vredestein Wintrac Pro, positioned fifth, is a well-rounded tire with strengths in wet and dry handling, lateral stability on wet pavement, and effective snow braking. It offers good performance across various conditions, despite a minor tendency to understeer on snow. A notable advantage of this model is its attractive price point, making it a value-for-money option in its category.

    Snow Braking   Price   Lateral Stability   Dry Handling   Wet Handling   Snow Handling  
    USA+ USA+ · Canada Canada · Europe Europe · Russia+ Russia+
    Test Score:
    2
  6. Hankook Winter i*cept evo3 X W330A
    Hankook Winter i*cept evo3 X W330A
    N/A 28
    · Winter · 2020 · Light Truck / SUV - Light Truck/SUV Performance Winter / Snow
    Verdict:

    The Hankook Winter i*cept evo3 X W330A, ranking sixth, offers a harmonious blend of performance features. It excels in snow performance and demonstrates strong resistance to both straight and lateral hydroplaning. Additionally, this model stands out for its excellent price-to-performance ratio. The only notable drawback is a slightly elevated noise level, but this does not significantly detract from its overall premium quality. It presents itself as a highly appealing option for those seeking value for money in a premium product.

    Performance Balance   Price/Performance   Straight Hydroplaning   Snow Performance   Lateral Hydroplaning   Noise  
    USA+ USA+ · Canada Canada · Europe Europe · Russia+ Russia+ · South Korea South Korea
    Test Score:
    2.1
  7. Falken Eurowinter HS02 Pro
    Falken Eurowinter HS02 Pro
    N/A 26
    · Winter · 2022 · Passenger - Performance Winter / Snow
    Verdict:

    The Falken Eurowinter HS02 Pro, securing the seventh position, exhibits a mixed performance profile. It excels in dry handling, showcasing effective braking on both snow and dry pavement, contributing to a comfortable driving experience. However, the tire displays a tendency to understeer on snow, which could affect maneuverability in winter conditions. Another significant drawback is its less than optimal hydroplaning resistance, both straight and lateral, which could impact safety and control during wet conditions.

    Dry Handling   Dry Braking   Comfort   Snow Braking   Snow Handling   Lateral Hydroplaning   Straight Hydroplaning  
    Europe Europe
    Test Score:
    3.4
  8. Bridgestone Blizzak LM005
    Bridgestone Blizzak LM005
    88 56
    · Winter · 2019 · Passenger - Performance Winter / Snow
    Verdict:

    The Bridgestone Blizzak LM005, ranked eighth, is conditionally recommended due to its strong performance on wet and dry pavement. It excels in dry handling, wet handling, braking on wet pavement, and offers commendable resistance to both straight and lateral hydroplaning. However, its capabilities in snow conditions are less impressive, with only average traction and noticeable understeer, which could affect driving stability and safety in winter weather.

    Wet Handling   Straight Hydroplaning   Wet Braking   Dry Handling   Lateral Hydroplaning   Snow Traction   Snow Handling  
    Canada Canada · Europe Europe · Russia+ Russia+
    Test Score:
    3.5
  9. Firestone Winterhawk 4
    Firestone Winterhawk 4
    70 41
    · Winter · 2020 · Passenger - Performance Winter / Snow
    Verdict:

    The Firestone Winterhawk 4, occupying the ninth position, is conditionally recommended, particularly noted for its commendable snow performance and resistance to both straight and lateral hydroplaning. This tire also stands out for its affordability. However, it falls short in dry handling and demonstrates longer braking distances on both dry and wet pavement, aspects that may compromise safety and driving experience, especially in non-snow conditions.

    Price   Lateral Hydroplaning   Straight Hydroplaning   Snow Performance   Dry Handling   Dry Braking   Wet Braking  
    Europe Europe · Russia+ Russia+
    Test Score:
    3.8
Year
2024
Tire Test Original Link
Visit Website
Max Score, points
1
Tire Size
225/60R18
Season
Winter
Auto Type
Light Truck / SUV / 4*4
List Type
Professional Tire Test
Region
Europe
Date added
Jan 21, 2024
Date updated
Jan 22, 2024
Infographic

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